Singapore's men's water polo team is in hot water over the design of their custom-made swimming trunks that have been deemed "inappropriate" by the city-state's government.

By Ian MacKinnon in Hua Hin, Thailand 11:37AM GMT 26 Nov 2010

The red and white trunks feature elements of Singapore's national flag, five stars and a crescent moon jutting up from the groin, leaving a somewhat unfortunate impression.

Singapore's government has rebuked the team which is competing at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, for failing to treat the national flag with respect.

The team has apologised and said the offending trunks, which were designed by some members of the team, will be binned after the games close.

But the Asian Games' rules bar changes of uniform once the competition is under way, so the government had no choice but to let the team continue wearing them.

Singapore's information ministry said it was not consulted about the design of the trunks and said it wanted "elements of the flag to be treated with dignity".

Images of the team out of the water during their matches has ensured widespread debate in the media and on the internet in prim Singapore. Some found the trunks' design amusing, while others thought them obscene.

"Unfortunately the team did not seek out advice on the use of the crescent moon and stars when they designed their swim trunks," the information ministry said in a statement. "We would have told them that their design is inappropriate." The team is upset by its gaffe and said it never meant to cause offence or embarrassment for Singapore.

"We didn't have the slightest intention to do anything funny on our trunks to insult Singapore or to the national flag," said team manager Samuel Wong, who helped in the design. "We sincerely apologise if it has offended anyone."

thanks Olywaguy, I didn't want to take the time to search.I have to say I was expecting something way shocking.This only reminds of those same people who commented years back about the mushrooms looking phallic in a Little Mermaid movie poster.